Cornell University

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

University of Missouri

Kai Ma

Ulrich B Wiesner

Michelle S Bradbury

Barney Yoo

Howard Scher

Michael Overholtzer

Thomas P Quinn

Snehal G Patel

Daniella Karassawa Zanoni

Feng Chen

Carlie Mendoza

Peiming Chen

Jason S Lewis

Wolfgang Weber

Karim Touijer

Described is a versatile surface modification approach to, for example, modularly and orthogonally functionalize nanoparticles (NPs) such as, for example, PEGylated nanoparticles, ith various types of different functional ligands (functional groups) on the NP surface. It enables the synthesis of, for example, penta-functional PEGylated nanoparticles integrating a variety of properties into a single NP, e.g., fluorescence detection, specific cell targeting, radioisotope chelating/labeling, ratiometric pH sensing, and drug delivery, while the overall NP size remains, for example, below 10 nm.

Functionalized nanoparticles and methods of making and using same

An aqueous synthesis methodology for the preparation of silica nanoparticles (SNPs), core-shell SNPs having, for example, a size of 2 to 15 nm and narrow size-dispersion with size control below 1 nm, i.e. at the level of a single atomic layer. Different types of dyes, including near infrared (NIR) emitters, can be covalently encapsulated within and brightness can be enhanced via addition of extra silica shells. The surface may be functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) groups and, optionally, specific surface ligands. This aqueous synthesis methodology also enables synthesis of 2 to 15 nm sized fluorescent core and core-shell aluminosilicate nanoparticles (ASNPs) which may also be surface functionalized. Encapsulation efficiency and brightness of highly negatively charged NIR fluorophores is enhanced relative to the corresponding SNPs without aluminum.

Ultrasmall nanoparticles and methods of making and using same

Described herein is a method of induced cell death via ferroptosis by nanoparticle ingestion. Moreover, the present disclosure describes the administration of high concentrations of ultrasmall nanoparticles at multiple times over the course of treatment in combination with a nutrient-depleted environment, thereby modulating cellular metabolic pathways to induce cell death by the mechanism ferroptosis. Ferroptosis involves iron, reactive oxygen species, and a synchronous mode of cell death execution.

Methods of treatment using ultrasmall nanoparticles to induce cell death of nutrient-deprived cancer cells via ferroptosis

Described herein are novel conjugates containing an inhibitor (e.g., a PSMA inhibitor, e.g., a gastrin-releasing peptide receptor inhibitor) and metal chelator that are covalently attached to a macromolecule (e.g., a nanoparticle, a polymer, a protein). Such conjugates exhibit distinct properties over the free, unbound inhibitor/chelator construct.

Inhibitor-functionalized ultrasmall nanoparticles and methods thereof

Described herein are nanoprobes comprising ultrasmall aminated and cRGDY-conjugated nanoparticles labeled with Zirconium-89 (Zr) and methods of their use. The provided compositions are renally clearable and possess suitable blood circulation half-time, high tumor active targeting capability, dominant renal clearance, low liver accumulation, and a high tumor-to-background ratio. The described nanoprobes exhibit great potential as 'target-or-clear' tracers to human subjects for systemic targeted imaging (or treatment) of cancer.

Ultrasmall nanoparticles labeled with Zirconium-89 and methods thereof

Described herein are cyclic peptides, nanoparticles bound with cyclic peptides, and methods for using said cyclic peptides and/or said nanoparticles bound with cyclic peptides for intraoperative nerve tissue imaging.

Cyclic peptides with enhanced nerve-binding selectively, nanoparticles bound with said cyclic peptides, and use of same for real-time in vivo nerve tissue imaging

Mesoporous oxide nanoparticles, compositions comprising such nanoparticle, and methods of making and using such nanoparticles. The nanoparticles (e.g., compositions comprising the nanoparticles) have an average size of less than 15 nm and a narrow size distribution. The nanoparticles can be used in imaging applications and delivery of molecular cargo (e.g., a drug) to an individual.

Mesoporous oxide nanoparticles and methods of making and using same

Disclosed herein are nanoparticle immunoconjugates useful for therapeutics and/or diagnostics. The immunoconjugates have diameter (e.g., average diameter) no greater than 20 nanometers (e.g., as measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS) in aqueous solution, e.g., saline solution). In certain embodiments, the conjugates are silica-based nanoparticles with single chain antibody fragments attached thereto.

Nanoparticle immunoconjugates

Described herein are nanoparticle drug conjugates (NDCs), which, in certain embodiments, comprise a non-toxic, multi-modality, clinically proven silica-based nanoparticle platform with covalently attached drug molecules/moieties. The nanoparticle drug conjugates (NDCs) demonstrate imaging capability and targeting ligands which efficiently clear through the kidneys. Furthermore, the conjugates incorporate therapeutic agents for cancer detection, prevention, and/or treatment.

Growing community of inventors

Ithaca, NY, United States of America

Kai Ma